ASEAN, Japan make progress in boosting flow of goods and services
SINGAPORE — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan have substantially concluded negotiations on services and investments.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right) speaks next to Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, chairman of the ASIAN-Japan summit, during a joint press announcement at Akasaka State Guesthouse in Tokyo, Dec 14, 2013. Photo: AP
SINGAPORE — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan have substantially concluded negotiations on services and investments.
The progress is in line with a 10-year strategic economic cooperation roadmap that is to double the flow of goods, services and investments between the two sides by 2022.
ASEAN leaders and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also agreed to explore the possibility of concluding an ASEAN-Japan Air Services Agreement.
The developments were made at the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo on today (Dec 14), hosted by Mr Abe and Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the current ASEAN chair.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong attended the summit, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations.
A Foreign Affairs Ministry statement said the leaders at the meeting also emphasised the importance of working towards a disaster-resilient ASEAN community.
The leaders adopted a vision statement on ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation. They affirmed the strong and close ties forged over the past 40 years and looked forward to the next phase of ASEAN-Japan relations. CHANNEL NEWSASIA
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